NAVFAC Southwest's Third Apprentice Class Graduates in September

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — Five apprentices from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest Apprentice Program graduated Sept. 29 during a ceremony at Naval Base San Diego after completing a rigorous four-year training program.

During September, 17 apprentices from five public works departments (PWDs) graduated from the NAVFAC Southwest Apprentice Program and received their Department of the Navy and Department of Labor Certificates of Apprenticeship. The graduates are from the third graduating class.

"All of the trades that are being recognized represent the backbone of NAVFAC Southwest through their continued dedication and support of the warfighter," said Jerry Thomas, NAVFAC Southwest Apprentice Program administrator. "Because of these dedicated workers the lights stay on, the air conditioners blow cool air, the heaters heat the buildings, the water is hot when needed, the vehicles drive down the road, the toilets flush, the buildings stay upright, and the ships get underway."

The 17 graduates are currently working at PWD Coronado, PWD San Diego, San Diego Metro Production Office, PWD Lemoore, PWD China Lake, and PWD Ventura.

"Additionally, we would like to recognize all of the hard work, dedication, and guidance the supervisors, leaders, journeymen, and mentors have given to help make this a successful program," said Thomas. "Furthermore, we always need to recognize the sacrifices the families and significant others have endured in order to make this a realization for the apprentices to complete the apprenticeship program."

The graduates attended eight different vocational and institutes of higher learning during their apprenticeships that included Ventura County Electrical JATT, Tri-County Electrical JATC of Monterey, California, A&J Local 345, Cuyamaca Community College, JJATT AC/R Training Center, College of the Sequoias of Visalia, California, and Cerro Coso Community College/Penn Foster.

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